Looking for a good cardio/muscle workout? Then you should consider getting a rowing machine. Rowing machines are super useful pieces of gym equipment that are great for burning fat, building endurance, and toning muscle.
There are a lot of different kinds of rowing machines out there which can make the decision difficult.
Rowing machines have different resistance types and different overall setups. If you are not familiar with exercise equipment, choosing the right kind of rowing machine can be a tough task.
That is where we come in. We put together this comprehensive guide on the 9 best rowing machines available now. We also included a full guide on how to pick the best rowing machines. Without any further ado, let’s get to learning.
8 Best Rowing Machines Compared
1. Black Concept 2 Model D Rower – Best Overall Rower
Starting off our list is the Black Concept 2 Model D Rower. The Concept 2 is an air resistance rower with a central flywheel mechanism. It includes durable ergonomically designed handles for a sure grip and a durable aluminum I-beam frame. The rowers can be broken down into two separate segments for storage when not in use.
The Black Concept 2 offers a comprehensive full-body exercise design that works virtually every muscle in the body. It has a low impact design, so it can be used by virtually anyone of any fitness level or age.
It also includes a handy LCD display that keeps track of your performance, distance traveled, pace, and total calories burned. It also tells you how many watts your rowing has generated. You can connect the rower to a wireless heart rate machine and to the EngData app via Bluetooth, so you can keep track of your performance.
Highlights
- Simple design
- Lightweight and foldable
- Air resistance is very low-impact
- Easy to assemble
- Comprehensive 5-year warranty
- App integrations for workouts
Drawbacks/cons
- You cannot adjust the resistance manually
- Somewhat loud operation
What’s Included
- Rowing machine
Features
- Capacity: 500 lbs.
- Material: Aluminum frame
- Design: Air resistance
- Dimensions: 96” x 24” (L x W)
- Maintenance: Wash with a cloth after use
- Warranty: 5-year full warranty
Why it’s good for the intended usage
The air resistance is low-impact and easy to use.
Bottom line
The Balck Concept 2 Model D is a fantastic rower to use by athletes of all experience levels. It has an ergonomic design, good display features, and a robust yet compact construction which is why it is our top pick of rowing machines.
Where You Can Buy It
2. Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine – Best Value Rower
Up second is the Sunny Health and Fitness Rowing Machine, our pick for the best budget value rower. The Sunny Health & Fitness is a magnetic rower so it operates very smoothly and quietly. It is also rather compact.
This rower has an extra-long slide rail for maximum extension and features adjustable magnetic resistance. Just twist the knob and you can change between 8 levels of resistance.
It also has built-in transport wheels so it is very easy to position and move around. The no-slip foot pedals are covered with textured material and feature loops to keep the fee secure during the motion.
The Sunny Health & Fitness also features an extra-large LCD digital monitor that records calories burned, total distance traveled, and can keep track of your workout performance. Finally, this rowing machine is very affordable so it won’t break the bank.
Highlights
- Magnetic design is very quiet
- 8 adjustable resistance settings
- Large LCD display
- Built-in transportation wheels
- Textures non-slip handles and footpads
Drawbacks/cons
- Magneti resistance has dead spots
- Wheels can get jammed over time
- Relatively low weight capacity
What’s Included
- Rowing machine
Features
- Capacity: 250 lbs
- Material: Aluminum frame
- Design: Magnetic resistance
- Dimensions: 82” x 19’ x 23”
- Maintenance: Wipe down with cloth afterward
- Warranty: Not listed
Why it’s good for the intended usage
The magnetic resistance is very quiet and highly adjustable
Bottom line
The Sunny Health & Fitness Rowing Machine is a fantastic value for an affordable price. The magnetic operation is very quiet and it has a lot of resistance levels, something that is not common in rowers. It also has a large LCD display for keeping track of workouts.
Where You Can Buy It
3. Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine – Best Budget Rower
Sitting at third is the Stamina Body Trac Glider, our pick for the best budget rowing machine. This rowing machine is a competent exercise machine wrapped up in an affordable package that won’t break the bank.
This hydraulic machine features an extra-wide seat and extra long handles for grip and stability.
The Body Trac also features a multi-functional electronic monitor that keeps track of your workout progress. The comfort molded seat is designed to fit the natural curve of the buttocks and you can adjust the resistance of the hydraulic mechanisms. It is also foldable and lightweight, which makes it easy to store.
The Stamina Body Trac Glider is definitely not a top-of-the-line rowing machine, but it is a perfectly functional and competent budget machine. The frame is made from durable aluminum and it has extra padded foam handles for comfort and secure grip.
Highlights
- Lightweight foldable design
- Adjustable resistance levels
- Extra padded shaped seat
- Multifunctional LCD display
- Textured footpads and padded handles
Drawbacks/cons
- Not amazing quality
- Hydraulic resistance has some dead spots
What’s Included
- Rowing machine
Features
- Capacity: 250 lbs
- Material: Aluminum frame
- Design: Hydraulic machine
- Dimensions: 58” x 42” x 18”
- Maintenance: Wipe down with cloth after use
- Warranty: one-year frame, 90-day parts
Why it’s good for the intended usage
The simplified hydraulic design is extra compact and has adjustable resistance levels. It is a good lightweight machine for beginners.
Bottom line
The Stamina Body Trac Glider is a great budget rowing machine that can give you a great workout without breaking the bank.
Where You Can Buy It
4. NordicTrack RW Rower – Best High-End Rower
Sitting at the halfway point is the NordicTrack RW Rower. This extra long rowing machine is a magnetic resistance rower that is designed to give you a full-body workout.
NordicTrack is a company that has a very good reputation in the fitness world and this rowing machine is no exception. It includes 26 adjustable resistance levels and a massive 22” HD smart touch screen for adjusting the resistance levels and other features.
The NordicTrack is a magnetic resistance rowing machine which means it runs very quietly and is less prone to mechanical failure. It also includes an inertia advanced flywheel which makes the resistance more dynamic.
This product is a high-end rower, which means that it is fairly expensive. However, it is one of the best high-end machines that you can get your hands on. The construction is elegant and the dynamic flywheel prevents dead spots in resistance common to magnetic rowers.
Highlights
- High-end design and construction
- Special inertia flywheel prevent dead spots in resistance
- 26 adjustable levels
- 22” HD touch screen display
- Extremely smooth resistance
Drawbacks/cons
- Expensive
- The extra-long frame is not ver space-conscious
What’s Included
- Rowing machine
Features
- Capacity: not listed
- Material: not listed
- Design: magnetic resistance
- Dimensions: 86” x 22” x 50”
- Maintenance; Wipe down with a cloth after use
- Warranty: Not listed
Why it’s good for the intended usage
The NordicTrack is a high-performance machine that has several adjustable levels of resistance.
Bottom line
The NordicTrack is one of the best rowers out there. It has a durable frame, a precision resistance mechanism, and great tech features that can appeal to fitness enthusiasts of all stripes.
Where You Can Buy It
5. Hydrow Rower – Best Premium Rower
Coming in at 5th is the Hydrow Rower. Despite the name, the Hydrow works using powerful electromagnets that aim to seamlessly simulate the experience of rowing on water.
The Hydrow is an interactive exercise machine and contains around 500 river and water simulations that appear on the large display screen. This interactive feature immerses you in the exercise.
It uses a series of powerful electromagnets to create its resistance. The magnets adjust themselves 40 times a second resulting in an incredibly smooth experience. The exercise programs include 4 distinct rowing videos that are each basically rowing workout programs.
These high-tech features are why the Hydrow is often featured as a premium professional-grade rower.
Of course, that means the Hydrow Rower is pretty expensive and is probably out of the price range of most casual rowing enthusiasts. However, if you have the cash to spare, then it makes an excellent addition to a home gym setup. The flawless aluminum frame is sturdy as a machine can be and will last for years.
Highlights
- Excellent construction
- Precise magnetic resistance system
- Built-in exercise programs
- Built-in heart rate monitor
- Smoother roller seat
Drawbacks/cons
- Expensive
- Large and heavy; not space-conscious
What’s Included
- Rowing machine
Features
- Capacity: 375 lbs
- Material: Aluminum and steel
- Design: Magnetic resistance
- Dimensions: 86” x 25” x 47”
- Maintenance: Wipe down with cloth after use
- Warranty: 1-year limited home use
Why it’s good for the intended usage
The Hydrow Row is an excellent machine that is professional quality. It has several built-in exercise routines.
Bottom line
The Hydrow Rower is one of the best rowers that money can buy but it’s not cheap. If you can swing the price though you will have an excellent machine with peerless resistance and a large library of built-in workouts.
Where You Can Buy It
6. Sunny Health & Fitness Water Rowing Machine – Best Water Rower
Our next entry is the SunnyHealth & Fitness Water Rower. This one is a water rower which means it uses paddles and water to generate its resistance. As such, it most accurately captures the sensation of rowing in an actual boat in the water.
The Sunny Health is made from durable metal and has a high weight capacity of 300 lbs.
It has a display that keeps track of your total distance and total time elapsed. It can also sync with any heart rate monitor in the 5.3KHz range so you can attach a compatible pulse monitor to monitor how effective your workouts are.
The best feature of the Sunny Health is its water resistance. The blades create the perfect amount of resistance in the water so each motion is natural and authentic. The harder you pull, the more resistance is generated.
Highlights
- Water-resistance mechanism is fluid and authentic
- Durable construction
- Fitness monitor syncs with tech
- High weight capacity
Drawbacks/cons
- Heavy and hard to move
What’s Included
- Rowing machine
Features
- Capacity: 300 lbs
- Material: steel/aluminum
- Design: water resistance
- Dimensions: 80” x 22” x 34”
- Maintenance: Wipe down with a cloth after using
- Warranty: not listed
Why it’s good for the intended usage
Water is one of the best resistance mechanisms for a rowing machine. It creates an authentic rowing experience.
Bottom line
The Sunny Health & Fitness Water Rowing Machine is a great water rower that anyone can use. The resistance is smooth and dynamically adjusts to your strokes.
Where You Can Buy It
7. Stamina Conversion II Recumbent Exercise Bike – Best Conversion Rower
The Stamina Conversion is unique as it combines the properties of both a rowing machine and exercise bike to get the benefits of both. The Stamina Conversion II’s dual-design makes it great for full-body exercises for building and toning muscle while also burning fat.
It also features a bright LCD display that keeps track of your current speed and distance traveled. The machine also has built-in heart sensors built into the handles. It is optimized for both cardio and muscle workouts and even folds up for convenience and storage.
Our favorite feature is how versatile this machine is. You can start off with a nice relaxing bike session before jumping into some rowing, then cooling off with a bike ride again. The adjustable resistance uses magnets and can be set to 8 levels. When you are done, it folds up out of storage.
Highlights
- Dual bike/rowing machine design
- Magnetic resistance is smooth
- 8 adjustable levels
- Pivoting footplates for extra traction
- Foldable design
Drawbacks/cons
- Some dead spots in the resistance
- Not very easy to switch between the rowing machine and bike
What’s Included
- Rowing machine
Features
- Capacity: Not listed
- Material: steel and aluminum
- Design: Magnetic resistance
- Dimensions: 87” x 19” x 23”
- Maintenance: Wipe down with a good point
- Warranty: Not listed
Why it’s good for the intended usage
The dual design is good for circuit workouts that target the entire body.
Bottom line
The Stamina Conversion II is one of the more uniquely designed rowing machines on account of its dual rowing machine/recumbent bike nature. It is great for versatile workouts for burning fat and building muscle tone.
Where You Can Buy It
8. Circuit Fitness Deluxe Foldable Magnetic Rowing Machine – Best Foldable Rower
Last on our list but certainly not least is the Circuit Fitness Deluxe Foldable Magnetic Rowing Machine. This magnetic rowing machine is designed for fitness in a compact foldable package. It is made from heavy-duty steel and is engineered to be stable and sturdy. The magnetic resistance system offers multiple settings and the durable molded seat is designed with comfort in mind.
The Circuit also has an LCD screen so you can track your progress and fitness goals. The monitor records your speed, distance, time, calories, and even the ambient temperature. That’s a lot of useful information for your workouts.
The Circuit also has a convenient foldable design. This design makes it super compact and able to be stored out of the way when not in use.
Highlights
- The foldable design is efficient
- Durable heavy-duty steel frame
- Built-in transport wheels
- Adjustable resistance levels
- Tracks workout progress
Drawbacks/cons
- Bulky when not folded
- The panel could be a little larger and more clear
What’s Included
- Rowing machine
Features
- Capacity: 300 lbs
- Material: Steel
- Design: Magnetic resistance
- Dimensions: 91” x 31” x 20”
- Maintenance: Wipe down with a cloth after use
- Warranty: Not listed
Why it’s good for the intended usage
The Circuit is a fairly straightforward machine that is great for beginners and experienced rowers.
Bottom line
The Circuit Fitness Deluxe Foldable is a great magnetic resistance machine that is perfect for daily exercise. The magnetic resistance is fluid and does a great job of adjusting to your level of force.
Where You Can Buy It
Rowing Machine Buying Guide
Rowing machines are some of the most versatile workout equipment that you can have in your home. Whether you need a heavy high-intensity cardio workout or you need a more relaxed casual workout, rowing machines can be configured to meet your needs.
That being said, there are a lot of rowing machines out there that have different features. If you do not know much about the equipment, then it can be very difficult to figure out which kind of rowing machine to buy. There are several models with different shapes, setups, adjustment features, and resistance types.
So we put together this comprehensive rowing machine buying guide. Make sure to keep the following considerations in mind when shopping around for a Rowing machine.
Type of Resistance
The type of resistance is most directly relevant to how the machine performs. Rowing machines have a lot of different resistance types, each of which have their pros and cons. In general, there are 4 distinct types of resistance mechanisms on rowing machines; air, magnetic, water/fluid, and hydraulic.
Air resistance: Air rowing machines are among the most popular types of rowers out there and are common fare in most gyms. Air rowers are sometimes called ‘ergos’ because they are very comfortable and easy to use. Air rowers are usually considered the premier model for competitive rowing indoors.
Air resistance rowers produce resistance by passing air over an internal flywheel. Chains connected to the flywheel rotate the wheel. The harder you pull on the chains, the faster the flywheel moves and the more resistance you feel. Air rowers are favored because they replicate the feeling of rowing in water and can automatically adjust to your stroker.
Air resistance rowers have an extra bonus feature too. Most of the time, the flywheel is left exposed and acts as a fan when you are using it. So they let you get a good workout and keep you cool.
Magnetic resistance: Magnetic rowers are extremely popular for home use and are known for being extremely quiet and more compact than other models of rowers. They are easy to use but do not simulate the experience of rowing through the water as faithfully as other types.
Magnetic rowers use magnets and flywheel to generate resistance. The machine varies the distance between the interior magnets and rotating flywheel. The closer the magnets the more resistance there is. You can normally adjust these distances using slider controls on the side or digital pads. Since there are no parts making physical contact, magnetic rowers are ultra-quiet and are not prone to mechanical breakage. They also usually have low maintenance requirements.
Water rowers: These are a relatively new introduction, which is a bit ironic considering rowing machines are made to simulate rowing on water. Water rowers use water and paddles to generate resistance, This mechanism allows water rowers to faithfully recreate the resistance of rowing in an actual boat on the water.
Water rowers also add to the workout by adding resistance to the sliding seat. This allows you to work your calves and quads more. When you pull against the chains, the interior paddles rotate in the water. These rotating paddles move against the water and create drag. The faster you row the more drag is generated and the more resistance you get.
Water rowers are favored because they are extraordinarily quiet and have a very smooth, consistent operation. People like water rowers because they are the closest thing to actually being out on the water and rowing. They also have fewer “dead spots” where the resistance suddenly gives out. However, they tend to be large and more expensive than other varieties.
Hydraulic rowers: These are probably the smallest and most compact kinds of rowing machines because they lack an internal flywheel component. Instead, hydraulic rowers used pressurized liquid inside of tubes to generate resistance. This mechanism is exactly the same as the hydraulic weight machines that you find in your gym.
When you pull against the handles, the pistons depress and compress the air or fluid inside the tubes. This compression is what generates resistance. Normally, you can adjust the amount of resistance using a series of clamps and switches.
Hydraulic rowers are generally fairly cheap and easy to use/setup. Unfortunately, they often lack quality. They are often considered the budget option in the rowing world. One major problem is that hydraulic machines often have dead spots throughout the motion where the resistance quickly falls off. This makes it harder to get the full range of sustained motion.
However, they can still give you a pretty decent workout and many hydraulic machines are compact and can fold up for storage. In that sense, a hydraulic machine can be a good choice if you are tight on space or tight on cash. Hydraulic rowers also tend to be better suited for muscle-building workouts because you can adjust the levels.
What Are Your Workout Goals?
It’s important to know the types of rowing machine resistance because they are relevant to your workout goals. Certain rower types are better suited to some fitness goals than others. For example, if you want a high-intensity workout that will build and tone muscle, then a hydraulic rower might be a good idea because you can adjust the resistance.
Weight Capacity
The next most obvious feature to look for is weight capacity. Most rowing machines have a max weight capacity between 250-350 lbs. In general, air resistance and magnetic resistance rowers have the highest weight capacities. There are heavy-duty models that have weight capacities of 500lbs+ but these are usually more expensive.
When it comes to weight capacity, the machine’s materials are important. Rowing machines are made out of either water or metal. In general, water-resistance rowers are made with wooden components so that the water does not rust and components. Unfortunately, this means that water rowers often have a lower weight capacity because they are made of wood.
Unless you are looking specifically for water rowers, then your best bet is probably to get one with a steel frame. Steel has a good weight/strength ratio so it is moderately lightweight and tough.
Noise Level
You should also try to find a machine that has a very low noise level. Ideally, your machine should generate about 50-60 dB, which is about the noise level of a regular conversation in your house. In general, the more moving parts in the machine, the louder it will be.
As a result, magnetic rowers tend to be the quietest. This is because the resistance is not generated by physical contact of two substances but by magnetic fields. In contrast, air resistance machines tend to be louder than other models. Hydraulic and water resistance machines generally fall in the middle of the spectrum.
Here is a general rule of thumb. If you can’t hear a normal conversation over the noise of your machine, then it is probably too loud.
Storage Space
Rowing machines are pretty large pieces of equipment and usually require a lot of space. They are very long so you need to prioritize horizontal over vertical space. If you don’t have adequate space it will be that much harder to use your machine. A typical rower is about 7’-8’ long so you will need quite a bit of horizontal space.
In general, magnetic and hydraulic rowers are the smallest and most compact. A truly compact rower is difficult to pull off because you need to be able to get the full extension of motion to make them effective.
That being said, hydraulic rowers are the most likely to be foldable. This is because they do not have to worry about a large circular flywheel in the middle of the machine. Many hydraulic models actually fold up in the center for storage when not in use. As a result, hydraulic machines are usually designed to be lighter than other kinds of models.
Digital Options
Most rowing machines come with some kind of central console that you can control things from. Some panels will be more advanced than others. Basic monitors display important workout info such as current time elapsed, total distance covered, and your overall speed. Monitors can range from a simple small screen mounted on the top to a large display with advanced features. More sophisticated models will include things like a heart rate monitor, calorie counters, and preset workout programs/routines. For example, some machines may have exercise programs that periodically change up resistance to get dynamic workouts.
Adjustability
Some types of rowers do not have dedicated resistance adjustments. Most of the time, the harder you work the machine to more resistance will be generated. This is a good feature as it means rowers dynamically respond to your effort to keep your workout consistent. Some rowers, such as hydraulic rowers, have static adjustable levels. Static adjustable levels are a good idea if you want to up the resistance and work your muscles a bit more.
On flywheel rowers, you can normally change resistance by changing the damper settings. The different positions of the dampers modulate the airflow over the central flywheel. Most of the time, resistance levels are marked starting at 1 for the least amount of resistance to 10 for the most amount of resistance.
We recommend that beginners start in the 3-5 range. Ideally, you should be able to make a full extension with only a little bit of effort. AS you build up endurance and strength you can switch to higher resistance levels. Low resistance levels are very useful if you need a cool-down routine after a heavy-duty workout.
You should also be able to adjust the position of the footpads. Adjustable footpads are a good idea if you are shorter or if multiple people will be using the machine. If the footpads are not in the right spot, then your workouts will be much less effective.
Ergonomics
You should be able to spend a decent amount of time on your rower without getting uncomfortable. Good ergonomics means that the seat should be comfortable, the footpads should be adjustable, and the chain should be at the right height for the rowing motion. Foam is a good seating pad material, though you want to make sure that the seat is not too soft.
As far as the footrests go, they should include some kind of tread made from a durable material like rubber. A lot of rowing machines have loops on the footrests for securing your feet while in operation. Foot straps are a good idea because they prevent your feet from coming off on the downstroke motion.
Rowing Machine FAQ
Here are some of the most popular questions we get about rowing machines.
What are rowing machines?
Rowing machines are pieces of exercise equipment designed to simulate the experience of rowing through water. Rowing machines usually consist of a central flywheel, resistance chain, and a seat that can move back and forth through the rowing motion. Rowing machines come in models for the home and in professional gym models.
What is a rowing machine good for?
Rowing machines are a fantastic way to get a good cardio workout. The full-body motion engages virtually every muscle in the body and the constant back and forth motion increases your heart rate and breathing capacity.
Rowing machines are not only for the physically fit either. They are generally very low-impact machines so they can be used by anyone of any fitness level. Like swimming, rowing can burn a lot of calories while putting minimal stress on your joints and frame. That is one reason why rowing machines are good for physical rehab and good for older people to use.
What muscles does a rowing machine work?
Rowing machines work approximately 86% of the muscles in your body. The work your calves, hamstrings, quadriceps, lower back, upper back, pecs, abdominal muscles, obliques, lats, biceps, triceps, and glutes (butt). Leg muscles are primarily engaged during the pushing motion. According to the American Fitness Professionals Association, a single rowing stroke is about 75% leg work and 25% upper body workout. That is why they are a favored exercise method for athletes and cross fitness enthusiasts.
How do I use a rowing machine?
Rowing machines are simple to use. You plant yourself on the seat, place your feet on the rests, and grab the chains. You push your legs back while simultaneously pulling back on the chains. The harder your pull/push, the more resistance you feel.
During the motion, you should try to keep your back as straight and upright as possible. Many people hunch over too far during the motion which makes the exercise less effective.
How long should I workout on a rowing machine?
Contrary to what people might think, you do not need to spend hours on your rowing machine per day to get the benefits. You only need to use a rower for about 30 minutes a day to get a decent workout.
Which gives you a better workout? Rowing machine vs elliptical vs treadmill?
It depends on what you are looking for. Rowing machines give a better full-body workout than static treadmills and generally better for building and toning muscle than ellipticals. All three machines are about as effective for cardio purposes, but rowers are the least heavy and bulky of the three kinds of machines.
Tips for Using a Rowing Machine
Rowing machines are actually among the easier to use exercise machines. But that does not mean that there are not some tips to make working them easier. Here are a few quick pointers to make using your rowing machine easier.
- Relax your grip. You do not need to hold on to the handles for dear life you get the most out of your exercise.
- Your legs are key. Most of the rowing motion should be due to your legs. About 75% of the motion should be due to your legs.
- Keep your back as straight as possible. Too many people hunch their back over when moving forward. This makes the exercise less effective.
- Tighten your core. Rowing machines should activate the majority of muscles in your body. Keep your core tight and taut through the full range of extension.
- Keep the handle at chest level. When you pull back, the handlebar should not go above your chest. Keep the handles at the bottom of your ribs.
- Rhythm is very important. Your motion should be smooth and consistent throughout the exercise. Stopping and starting abruptly messes up the dynamic motion and makes the exercise less effective.
- Don’t fully extend your knees. In general, when doing leg workouts that require an extension, you should not extend your leg fully and lock your knees. There should be a slight bend in your knee at the apex of the motion.
- You don’t need to go for hours on the machine. 20-30 minutes per day should be enough.
Conclusions
Rowing machines are one of the best low-impact ways to get a cardio and muscle toning workout. They combine the cardio of an elliptical with the full-body engagement of a rowing machine. Rowing machines can be used by anyone of any fitness level or age, and dynamically react to your effort.
So, if you are looking for a new workout routine that is more exciting than just lifting weights or running on the treadmill, consider buying a rowing machine.
Stock Photos from sirtravelalot / LightField Studios / Shutterstock
